Spinal implant and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A spinal rod connector includes first and second arm assemblies and a fastener. The first arm assembly includes a first base portion and a first head portion defining a first slot configured to receive a first spinal rod. The first base portion includes a hook and an extension member including a housing. The second arm assembly is adjustable with respect to the first arm assembly. The second arm assembly includes a second base portion including a hook, a second head portion defining a second slot configured to receive a second spinal rod, and an elongate member extending from the second base portion. The elongate member is configured to be received in the housing of the first arm assembly. The elongate member is rotatable about an axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the housing. The fastener is configured to be received in the housing to secure the elongate member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a national phase entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2017/056099, filed on Oct. 11, 2017,which claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/406,455, filed on Oct. 11, 2016, the entirecontents of which are incorporated by reference herein

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an instrument for spinal surgery and,more particularly, to a surgical instrument for securing spinal rods.

2. Discussion of Related Art

The spine is a flexible structure capable of a large range of motion.There are various disorders, diseases and types of injury, whichrestrict the range of motion of the spine or interfere with importantelements of the nervous system. The problems include, but are notlimited to, scoliosis, kyphosis, excessive lordosis, spondylolisthesis,slipped or ruptured discs, degenerative disc disease, vertebral bodyfracture, and tumors. Persons suffering from any of the above conditionstypically experience extreme or debilitating pain and often timesdiminished nerve function. These conditions and their treatments can befurther complicated if the patient is suffering from osteoporosis, orbone tissue thinning and loss of bone density.

Spinal fixation apparatuses are widely employed in surgical processesfor correcting spinal injuries and diseases. When the disc hasdegenerated to the point of requiring removal, there are a variety ofinterbody implants that are utilized to take the place of the disc.These include interbody spacers, metal cages and cadaver and human boneimplants. In order to facilitate stabilizing the spine and keeping theinterbody in position, other implants are commonly employed, such asbone screws and spinal rods.

Securing the spinal rods using bone screws on a vertebra that may be toosmall, too fragile, or damaged to secure a bone screw thereon may beproblematic. Furthermore, the use of bone screws also requires asubstantial amount of work, time, and hardware during a surgicalprocedure.

Therefore, a continuing need exists for an improved device and a methodfor securing spinal rods to bone.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there isprovided a spinal rod connector including a first arm assembly, a secondarm assembly, and a fastener. The first arm assembly includes a firstbase portion and a first head portion defining a first slot configuredto receive a first spinal rod therein. The first base portion includes ahook portion and an extension member including an engagement housingdefining a longitudinal axis. The second arm assembly is selectivelyadjustable with respect to the first arm assembly. The second armassembly includes a second base portion, a second head portion defininga second slot configured to receive a second spinal rod therein, and anelongate member extending from the second base portion. The second baseportion includes a hook portion. The elongate member is configured to beselectively received in the engagement housing of the first armassembly. The elongate member is rotatable about a second axis offsetfrom the longitudinal axis of the engagement housing. The fastener isconfigured to be received in the engagement housing to secure theelongate member of the second arm assembly thereto.

In an embodiment, the first arm assembly may include a stem configuredto rotatably couple the first head portion with the first base portion.In particular, the stem may include a threaded portion threadablyengaging the first base portion, and a ball portion rotatably coupledwith the first head portion.

In another embodiment, the engagement housing of the first arm assemblymay define apertures dimensioned to receive the elongate member of thesecond arm assembly. The apertures of the engagement housing of thefirst arm assembly may be dimensioned larger than a diameter of theelongate member. In particular, the apertures may have a conicalprofile.

In yet another embodiment, the engagement housing of the first armassembly may include a ball defining a bore dimensioned to receive theelongate member of the second arm assembly.

In still yet another embodiment, the engagement housing may define anopening in registration with the ball. The opening may be configured tothreadably receive the fastener configured to engage the ball to securethe elongate member of the second arm assembly with the engagementhousing.

In still yet another embodiment, the first and second base portions maydefine engagement bores configured to engage an insertion instrument.

In an embodiment, at least one of the first or second slots may have aU-shaped profile.

In yet another embodiment, at least one of the first or the second headportions may be configured to threadably engage a set screw to securethe first or second spinal rod received in the first or second slot.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, thereis provided a spinal rod connector including a first arm assembly, asecond arm assembly, and a fastener. The first arm assembly includes afirst base portion including a hook portion and an extension memberincluding an engagement housing. The first base portion defines a firstfixation channel dimensioned to receive a first band configured tosecure a first spinal rod to the first base portion. The second armassembly is selectively adjustable with respect to the first armassembly. The second arm assembly includes a second base portionincluding a hook portion, and an elongate member extending from thesecond base portion. The second base portion defines a second fixationchannel dimensioned to receive a second band configured to secure asecond spinal rod to the second base portion. The elongate member isconfigured to be selectively received in the engagement housing of thefirst arm assembly. The fastener is configured to be received in theengagement housing to secure the elongate member of the second armassembly thereto.

In an embodiment, at least one of the first or second base portions maydefine apertures in communication with the first or second fixationchannel.

In another embodiment, the apertures of the at least one of the first orsecond base portions may be orthogonal to each other.

In yet another embodiment, the elongate member of the second armassembly may be movable through the engagement housing of the first armassembly along a first axis. In addition, the elongate member of thesecond arm assembly may be rotatable about the first axis.

In an embodiment, the elongate member of the second arm assembly may berotatable about a second axis defined by the engagement housing of thefirst arm assembly.

In still yet another embodiment, the elongate member of the second armassembly may be rotatable about an axis offset from the second axisdefined by the engagement housing of the first arm assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure willbecome more apparent in light of the following detailed description whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transverse connector in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the transverse connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the transverse connector ofFIG. 1 with parts separated;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an insertion instrument for use with thetransverse connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a partial, perspective view the insertion instrument of FIG.5, illustrating use with the transverse connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view a preparation instrument for use with thetransverse connector;

FIG. 8 is a partial, perspective view of the preparation instrument ofFIG. 7 coupled to a vertebra;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the insertion instrument of FIG. 5 and adriver for use with the transverse connector of FIG. 1, illustrating usewith the transverse connector;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the transverse connector of FIG. 1,illustrating use with spinal rods;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a transverse connector in accordancewith another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the transverse connector of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 13-13 of FIG.12;

FIG. 14 is an exploded, perspective view of the transverse connector ofFIG. 11 with parts separated; and

FIG. 15 is perspective view of the transverse connector of FIG. 11,illustrating use with spinal rods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure will be describedherein with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in thedrawings and as described throughout the following description, and asis traditional when referring to relative positioning on an object, theterms “proximal” and “trailing” may be employed interchangeably, andshould be understood as referring to the portion of a structure that iscloser to a clinician during proper use. The terms “distal” and“leading” may also be employed interchangeably, and should be understoodas referring to the portion of a structure that is farther from theclinician during proper use. In addition, the term “cephalad” is used inthis application to indicate a direction towards a patient's head,whereas the term “caudad” indicates a direction towards the patient'sfeet. Further still, the term “medial” indicates a direction towards themiddle of the body of the patient, while the term “lateral” indicates adirection towards a side of the body of the patient (i.e., away from themiddle of the body of the patient). The term “posterior” indicates adirection towards the patient's back, and the term “anterior” indicatesa direction towards the patient's front. In the following description,well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail toavoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

With reference to FIGS. 1-2, a transverse connector in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure is generally shown as atransverse connector 100. Transverse connector 100 is configured tosecure spinal rods 111 (FIG. 10) to inhibit relative movement of thespinal rods 111 in order to maintain the desired relative positions ofthe spinal construct and therefore the associated vertebrae. Thetransverse connector 100 may be secured to, e.g., the parsinterarticularis (“pars”) or articular process of a vertebra. Thetransverse connector 100 includes a first arm assembly 110 and a secondarm assembly 150 adjustably coupled with the first arm assembly 110 toselectively adjust relative position and orientation of the first andsecond arm assemblies 110, 150 in order to ensure a secure fit acrossthe pars or articular process. The second arm assembly 150 is movablerelative to an engagement housing 140 of the first arm assembly 110along a first axis “X-X” (FIG. 2) to adjust the relative distancetherebetween and rotatable about the first axis “X-X” in a firstdirection “C” or a second direction “D”. In addition, the second armassembly 150 is rotatable about a second axis “Y-Y” (FIG. 1) defined bythe engagement housing 140 and axes offset from the second axis “Y-Y” toeffect poly-axial rotation. Under such a configuration, the first andsecond arm assemblies 110, 150 may define an angle of about 180°.Alternatively, the first and second arm assemblies 110, 150 may definean angle less than about 170°. In an embodiment, the first and secondarm assemblies 110, 150 may define an angle less than about 160°.

The first arm assembly 110 includes a first base portion 112 and a firsthead portion 120 rotatably coupled with the first base portion 112. Thefirst base portion 112 includes a first hook 114 configured to engage ananatomical structure of the vertebra such as, e.g., the pars orarticular process, and an extension member 116 including the engagementhousing 140. The first hook 114 may include a beveled edge 114 aconfigured to abut or cut into the bony tissue in order to provide afriction fit or tight fit of the transverse connector 100. The firstbase portion 112 defines an engagement bore 117 dimensioned to engage aninsertion instrument 200 (FIG. 5), as will be described below.

With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first head portion 120 iscoupled with the first base portion 112 by a first stem 130. The firststem 130 includes a threaded portion 130 a threadably coupled with athreaded bore 115 defined in the first base portion 112, and a ball 130b rotatably coupled with the first head portion 120 to enable poly-axialrotation of the first head portion 120 relative to the first baseportion 112. It is contemplated that the threaded bore 115 may be incommunication with the first hook 114 such that the first stem 130 maybe selectively threaded into threaded bore 115 in order to engage ananatomical structure, such as, e.g., the pars or the articular process,of the vertebra disposed on the first hook 114 to further enhancesecurement of the transverse connector 100 on the vertebrae.

The first head portion 120 defines a first slot 122 having a U-shapedprofile configured to receive the spinal rod 111 (FIG. 10) therein. Aninner wall 124 of the first head portion 120 includes threads 124 aconfigured to threadably receive a set screw 700 to secure the spinalrod 111 in the first slot 122. Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. Nos.5,683,392; 5,733,286; 7,658,582; 7,717,940; 7,771,430; 7,988,694;8,113,847; 8,162,991; 8,287,576; 8,308,729; 8,361,122; 8,377,104;8,403,971; 8,506,603; 8,672,944; 8,696,718; 8,714,427; 8,764,756;8,814,919; 8,834,474; 8,882,817; 8,945,189; 8,961,523; 8,979,898;9,125,703; RE42,867; and 9,247,969, the entire contents of each of whichis incorporated herein by reference, for a detailed description of theconstruction and operation of a head portion and a stem.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the extension member 116 ofthe first base portion 112 extends from the first hook 114 and includesthe engagement housing 140. The engagement housing 140 defines a ballsocket 142 that receives a ball 144 therein. The engagement housing 140further defines first and second transverse openings 142 a, 142 b incommunication with a bore 144 a defined in the ball 144 disposed in theball socket 142 to selectively receive an elongate member 170 of thesecond arm assembly 150 therethrough. The first and second transverseopenings 142 a, 142 b may be dimensioned to provide a suitablemulti-axial rotation of the elongate member 170 relative to theengagement housing 140. Specifically, the first and second transverseopenings 142 a, 142 b may include dimensions larger than a diameter ofthe elongate member 170 to provide a greater degree of rotation of theelongate member 170 relative to the engagement housing 140. For example,the first and second transverse openings 142 a, 142 b may be outwardlytapered or may include a conical profile to enable multi-directionaland/or multi-planar rotation of the elongate member 170 relative to theengagement housing 140.

With particular reference to FIG. 4, the ball 144 defines a slit 147 toenable compression of the ball 144 against the elongate member 170 ofthe second arm assembly 150. The engagement housing 140 further definesa screw opening 146 configured to threadably receive the set screw 119.The screw opening 146 is in registration with the ball 144 disposed inthe ball socket 142. The set screw 119 is threadably received in theengagement housing 140 and directly engages the ball 144 to applycompression to the ball 144, which, in turn, secures the elongate member170 with the ball 144 and the ball 144 with the ball socket 142. In thismanner, the fastening of the set screw 119 secures the relative positionand orientation of the elongate member 170 with respect to theengagement housing 140.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the second arm assembly 150 includes asecond base portion 152 and a second head portion 160. The second baseportion 152 includes a second hook 154 configured to engage ananatomical structure of the vertebra such as, e.g., the pars orarticular process of a vertebra, and the elongate member 170. The secondhook 154 may include a beveled edge 154 a configured to abut or cut intothe bony tissue to provide a friction fit or tight fit of the transverseconnector 100. The second base portion 152 defines an engagement bore157 dimensioned to receive the insertion instrument 200 (FIG. 5), aswill be described below.

The second head portion 160 defines a second slot 162 having a U-shapedprofile configured to receive the spinal rod 111 (FIG. 10) therein. Aninner wall 164 of the second head portion 160 includes threads 164 aconfigured to receive a set screw 700 to secure the spinal rod 111 inthe second slot 162. The second head portion 160 is rotatably coupledwith the second base portion 152 by a second stem 175. In particular,the second stem 175 includes a threaded portion 175 a threadably coupledwith a threaded bore 155 of the second base portion 152, and a ball 175b rotatably coupled with the second head portion 160 to enablepoly-axial rotation of the second head portion 160 relative to thesecond base portion 152.

The elongate member 170 of the second base portion 152 extends from thesecond hook 154. The elongate member 170 defines, e.g., a cylindricalprofile. The elongate member 170 may include a cutout 170 a including aplanar surface to enhance securement with the ball 144 when the ball 144is compressed by the set screw 119. As discussed hereinabove, theelongate member 170 is configured to be received through the bore 144 aof the ball 144 and the transverse openings 142 a, 142 b of theengagement housing 140 of the first arm assembly 110. The elongatemember 170 is slidable through the ball 144, and thus the set screw 119is securable in any one position of a plurality of positions along theelongate member 170. Furthermore, the elongate member 170 is alsorotatable about the first axis “X-X” (FIG. 2). In addition, the elongatemember 170 is rotatable about the second axis “Y-Y” (FIG. 1) transverseto the first axis “X-X” (FIG. 2) defined by the elongate member 170, andaxes offset from the second axis “Y-Y”.

With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the insertion device 200 isutilized to place the transverse connector 100 at the surgical site. Inparticular, the insertion device 200 includes first and second members210, 220 pivotally coupled to each other. The first member 210 includesa first handle portion 212 and a first engaging portion 214. The firstengaging portion 214 includes a distal end 214 a configured to engageone of the engagement bores 117, 157 (FIG. 4) of the first and secondarm assemblies 110, 150 of the transverse connector 100. Similarly, thesecond member 220 includes a second handle portion 222 and a secondengaging portion 224. The second engaging portion 224 includes a distalend 224 a configured to engage the other one of the engagement bores117, 157 (FIG. 4) of the first and second arm assemblies 110, 150 of thetransverse connector 100.

When the first and second handle portions 212, 222 are squeezedtogether, the distal ends 214 a, 224 a of the first and second engagingportions 214, 224 are spread apart to securely engage the respectiveengagement bores 117, 157 of the first and second arm assemblies 110,150. The first and second members 210, 220 further include a lockingratchet 250 configured to maintain the relative position of the firstand second handle portions 212, 222, while enabling further squeezing ofthe first and second handle portions 212, 222. In particular, thelocking ratchet 250 includes a rack 252 pivotally connected to the firsthandle portion 212. The rack 252 includes teeth 254 extending along alength of the rack 252. The second handle portion 222 includes a tooth226 configured to engage the teeth 254 of the rack 252.

The first and second engaging portions 214, 224 of the first and secondmembers 210, 220 of the insertion device 200 are offset from respectiveaxes defined by the first and second handle portions 212, 222. Undersuch a configuration, the first and second handle portions 212, 222define an angle with the driver 300 (FIG. 9) during use such thatmanipulation of the first and second handle portions 212, 222 of theinsertion device 200 does not obstruct or interfere with any of thefunctions of the driver 300 or vice versa.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the insertion device 200further includes a compression indicator 280 configured to providetactile indication of the amount of force applied to the first andsecond arm assemblies 110, 150 of the transverse connector 100. Inparticular, the compression indicator 280 includes an elongate member282 extending from the first engaging portion 214 of the first member210 such that the elongate member 282 is interposed between the firstand second handle portions 212, 222. The compression indicator 280further includes an extension member 284 extending transversely from thesecond handle portion 222. The extension member 284 includes tactilenotches (not shown) that operatively engage the elongate member 282 toindicate to the clinician the amount of force applied to the first andsecond arm assemblies 110, 150 of the transverse connector 100.

With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a preparation tool 400 may beutilized to prepare, e.g., the pars or articular process of a vertebra.The preparation tool 400 includes first and second arms 410, 420pivotally coupled about a pivot 450. The first arm 410 includes a firstengaging portion 412 including a first hook portion 412 a, and thesecond arm 420 includes a second engaging portion 422 including a secondhook portion 422 a. The first and second hook portions 412 a, 422 a maybe similar to the first and second hooks 114, 154 (FIG. 1) of the firstand second arm assemblies 110, 150 of the transverse connector 100. Thefirst and second hook portions 412 a, 422 a may include an angled edgeconfigured to clear tissue from the vertebra. The preparation tool 400further includes a ratchet arm 430 pivotably attached to the first arm410 about a pivot 434. The ratchet arm 430 includes teeth 432 configuredto engage a tooth 426 extending from the second arm 420. Under such aconfiguration, the ratchet arm 430 may easily transition between alocking state, in which, the ratchet arm 430 maintains the relativeposition of the first and second arms 410, 420 and a released state, inwhich, the first and second arms 410, 420 are freely movable relative toeach other.

With reference now to FIG. 9, the driver 300 is utilized to control theinsertion and/or advancement of the set screw 119 (FIG. 1) into and/orout of the engagement housing 140 of the first arm assembly 110 bythreadably rotating the set screw 119 in the screw opening 146 (FIG. 4)of the engagement housing 140 of the transverse connector 100. The setscrew 119 defines a recess 119 a (FIG. 4) configured to mate with thedriver 300. The recess 119 a has a hex feature complementary with anengaging portion 302 of the driver 300 to enable the driver 300 tocontrol the insertion and/or advancement of the set screw 119 into theengagement housing 140. The set screw 119 is threadably inserted intothe screw opening 146 of the engagement housing 140 of the first armassembly 110 to directly engage the ball 144 (FIG. 4) in order to securethe relative position and orientation of the elongate member 170 of thesecond arm assembly 150 with respect to the engagement housing 140 ofthe first arm assembly 110.

In use, the clinician initially prepares the vertebra utilizing thepreparation tool 400. The clinician inserts the preparation tool 400around the anatomical structure such as, e.g., the pars or articularprocess of a vertebra. The preparation tool 400 is inserted until thefirst and second hook portions 412 a, 422 a are placed under the pars orarticular process. Once the first and second arms 410, 420 are pressedto fit around the pars or articular process, the ratchet arm 430 canengage the tooth 426 on the second arm 420 to inhibit the first andsecond hook portions 412 a, 422 a from moving apart. The transverseconnector 100 may be expected to fit around the pars or articularprocess of the vertebra so long as the preparation tool 400 is able tofit around the pars or articular process. Once the tissue has beenremoved from the pars or articular process, the preparation tool 400 canbe removed.

Bone anchors (not shown) are positioned at desired locations on thespine in order to provide the desired placement and securement of thespinal rods 111. Reference may be made to U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2009/0292308, the entire contents of which isincorporated herein by reference, for a detailed description of theconstruction and operation of the bone anchor. Thereafter, the insertiondevice 200 is adjusted such that the distal ends 214 a, 224 a arereceived in the respective engagement bores 117, 157 of the first andsecond arm assemblies 110, 150 of the transverse connector 100. Once thedistal ends 214 a, 224 a are inserted into the respective engagementbores 117, 157, the first and second handle portions 212, 222 arefurther squeezed to ensure secure engagement of the insertion device 200with the transverse connector 100, while utilizing the compressionindicator 280. In this manner, the transverse connector 100 is securelyheld by the insertion device 200 and can be placed at the surgical site.The transverse connector 100 is placed across the pars or articularprocess. The clinician may apply a force that separates distal end 214a, 224 a from each other thereby adjusting the rotation and angulationof the first arm assembly 110 relative to the second arm assembly 150.This adjustment enables the clinician to place the beveled edges 114 a,154 a of the first and second hooks 114, 154 around an underside of thepars or articular process.

After the first and second hooks 114, 154 are positioned to engage thepars or articular process of a vertebra, the spinal rods 111 arereceived in the respective first and second slots 122, 162 of the firstand second head portions 120, 160 of the transverse connector 100. Atthis time, further adjustment to the first and second arm assemblies110, 150 may be made. Upon achieving the desired placement of thetransverse connector 100, the driver 300 is utilized to advance the setscrew 119 in the engagement housing 140 to directly engage the ball 144in order to secure the elongate member 170 with the engagement housing140. During the use of the driver 300, the insertion device 200maintains engagement with the first and second head portions 120, 160and provides counter rotation to the engagement housing 140. Thereafter,the set screws 700 are used to secure the spinal rods 111 in the firstand second slots 122, 162 of the first and second head portions 120, 160and the bone anchors.

With reference now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a transverseconnector 500 in accordance with another embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The transverse connector 500 includes features that areidentical to the features described with respect to the transverseconnector 100. Thus, the identical parts in the transverse connector 500will not be described herein to avoid obscuring the present disclosurein unnecessary detail.

As discussed hereinabove with respect to the transverse connector 100,the transverse connector 500 is configured to secure spinal rods 111(FIG. 15) to inhibit relative movement of the spinal rods 111 in orderto maintain the desired relative positions of the spinal construct andtherefore the associated vertebrae. The transverse connector 500 may besecured to an anatomical structure of the vertebra such as, e.g., thepars or articular process of a vertebra. The transverse connector 500includes a first arm assembly 510 and a second arm assembly 550adjustably coupled with the first arm assembly 510 to selectively adjustrelative position and orientation of the first and second arm assemblies510, 550 in order to ensure a secure fit across the pars or articularprocess. The second arm assembly 550 is movable relative to theengagement housing 540 of the first arm assembly 510 along a first axis“Z-Z” (FIG. 12) to adjust the relative distance therebetween androtatable about the first axis “Z-Z”. In addition, the second armassembly 550 is also rotatable about a second axis “V-V” (FIG. 13)extending through the engagement housing 540 and axes offset from thesecond axis “V-V” to effect multi-planar rotation. Under such aconfiguration, the first and second arm assemblies 510, 550 may definean angle of about 180°. Alternatively, the first and second armassemblies 510, 550 may define an angle less than about 170°. In anembodiment, the first and second arm assemblies 510, 550 may define anangle less than about 160°.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the first arm assembly 510includes a first base portion 512 including a first hook 514 configuredto engage an anatomical structure of the vertebra such as, e.g., pars orarticular process, and an extension member 516 including an engagementhousing 540. The first hook 514 may include a beveled edge 514 aconfigured to abut or cut into the bony tissue to provide a friction fitor tight fit of the transverse connector 500.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the first arm assembly 510defines a fixation channel 513 configured to receive a band 600 (FIG.15) therethrough. The band 600 may tightly secure the rod 111 to thefirst arm assembly 510 or enable slidable engagement with the rod 111.For example, a band clamp 800 (FIG. 15) may be utilized to clamp theopposite end portions of the band 600 together. The band clamp 800defines a transverse bore 802 configured to receive the opposite endportions of the band 600, and a screw opening 804 configured tothreadably receive a screw (not shown) therethrough. The screw opening804 may be orthogonal to the transverse bore 802. In addition, the bandclamp 800 includes an anvil (not shown) disposed in the transverse bore802. The anvil is configured to compress, e.g., overlapping, oppositeend portions of the band 600 disposed in the transverse bore 802. Inparticular, driving the screw through the screw opening 804 imparts aforce on the anvil, which, in turn, compresses, e.g., overlapping,opposite end portions of the band 600, thereby clamping the opposite endportions of the band 600 together.

The fixation channel 513 includes openings 513 a, 513 b. For example,the openings 513 a, 513 b may be disposed orthogonal to each other. Thesize and shape of the openings 513 a, 513 b of the fixation channel 513may be tailored to the shape and cross-section of the band 600. Thefirst arm assembly 510 further defines an engagement bore 517dimensioned to engage the insertion instrument 200 (FIG. 5). Referencemay be made to U.S. Pat. No. 9,675,386 and U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0257397, the entire contents of each of which isincorporated herein by reference, for a detailed description of theconstruction and operation of the band 600.

With reference now to FIGS. 13 and 14, the extension member 516 of thefirst base portion 512 extends from the first hook 514 and includes theengagement housing 540. The engagement housing 540 defines a ball socket542 configured to rotatably receive a ball 544 therein. The engagementhousing 540 further defines first and second transverse openings 542 a,542 b in communication with a bore 544 a defined in the ball 544disposed in the ball socket 542 to receive an elongate member 570 of thesecond arm assembly 550 therethrough. The first and second transverseopenings 542 a, 542 b may include dimensions larger than a diameter ofthe elongate member 570 to provide a greater degree of rotation of theelongate member 570 relative to the engagement housing 540. For example,the first and second transverse openings 542 a, 542 b may include aconical profile to enable multi-directional and/or multi-planar rotationof the elongate member 570 relative to the engagement housing 540. Theengagement housing 540 further defines a screw opening 546 configured tothreadably receive the set screw 119. The screw opening 546 is inregistration with the ball 544 disposed in the ball socket 542. The setscrew 119 is threadably received in the engagement housing 540 anddirectly engages the ball 544 to apply compression to the ball 544,which, in turn, secures the elongate member 570 with the ball 544 andthe ball 544 with the ball socket 542. In this manner, the fastening ofthe set screw 119 secures the relative position and orientation of theelongate member 570 with respect to the engagement housing 540.

With particular reference to FIG. 14, the second arm assembly 550includes a second base portion 552 including a second hook 554configured to engage an anatomical structure of the vertebra such as,e.g., the pars or articular process, and the elongate member 570. Thesecond hook 554 may include a beveled edge 554 a configured to abut orcut into the bony tissue to provide a friction fit or tight fit of thetransverse connector 500. The second base portion 552 defines anengagement bore 557 dimensioned to receive the insertion instrument 200(FIG. 5). The second arm assembly 550 defines a fixation channel 553configured to receive the band 600 (FIG. 15) therethrough. Inparticular, the fixation channel 553 includes openings 553 a, 553 b. Forexample, openings 553 a, 553 b may be disposed orthogonal to each other.The size and shape of the openings 553 a, 553 b of the fixation channel553 may be tailored to the shape and cross-section of the band 600.

The elongate member 570 of the second base portion 552 extends from thesecond hook 554. As discussed hereinabove, the elongate member 570 isconfigured to be received through the bore 544 a of the ball 544 and thetransverse openings 542 a, 542 b of the engagement housing 540 of thefirst arm assembly 510. The elongate member 570 is slidable through theball 544, and thus the set screw 119 is securable in any one position ofa plurality of positions along the elongate member 570. In addition, theelongate member 570 is rotatable about the second axis “V-V” (FIG. 13)of the engagement housing 540 and axes offset from the second axis “V-V”to enable poly-axial rotation.

In use, the clinician initially prepares the vertebrae utilizing thepreparation tool 400. Bone anchors (not shown) are positioned at desiredlocations on the spine in order to provide the desired placement andsecurement of the spinal rods 111 (FIG. 15). Thereafter, the insertiontool 200 is utilized to place the transverse connector 500 adjacent thesurgical site. Specifically, the insertion device 200 is adjusted suchthat the distal ends 214 a, 224 a are received in the respectiveengagement bores 517, 557 of the transverse connector 500. Thetransverse connector 500 is then positioned adjacent the anatomicalstructure such as, e.g., the pars or articular process. The clinicianmay apply a force that separates the distal end 214 a, 224 a of theinsertion device 200 from each other in order to adjust the position andorientation of the first arm assembly 510 relative to the second armassembly 550. The transverse connector 500 is placed across the pars orarticular process. The first and second hooks 514, 554 are positioned toengage the anatomical structure of the vertebra such as, e.g., the parsor articular process. Each band 600 is threaded through the respectivefixation channel 513, 553 via the respective fixation openings 513 a,513 b, 553 a, 553 b. The band 600 can tightly secure the rod 111 orenable slidable engagement with the rods 111 by utilizing the band clamp800 (FIG. 15).

At this time, further adjustment to the first and second arm assemblies510, 550 may be made. Upon achieving the desired placement of thetransverse connector 500, the driver 300 is utilized to advance the setscrew 119 in the engagement housing 540 to directly engage the ball 544in order to secure the elongate member 570 relative to the engagementhousing 540. During the use of the driver 300, the insertion device 200maintains engagement with the first and second arm assemblies 510, 550and provides counter rotation to the engagement housing 540. Thereafter,the set screws 700 are used to secure the spinal rods 111 in the boneanchors.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Any combination ofthe above embodiments is also envisioned and is within the scope of theappended claims. For example, a transverse connector may include a firstarm assembly having a head portion defining a slot to receive a spinalrod therein, and a second arm assembly defining a fixation channelconfigured to receive a band to secure a spinal rod to the second armassembly. Therefore, the above description should not be construed aslimiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments.Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within thescope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A spinal rod connector comprising: a first armassembly including a first base portion and a first head portiondefining a first slot configured to receive a first spinal rod therein,the first base portion including a hook portion and an extension memberincluding an engagement housing, the extension member being monolithicwith the first base portion; a second arm assembly selectivelyadjustable with respect to the first arm assembly, the second armassembly including a second base portion, a second head portion defininga second slot configured to receive a second spinal rod therein, and anelongate member extending from the second base portion, the second baseportion including a hook portion, the elongate member configured to beselectively received in the engagement housing of the first armassembly, the elongate member being monolithic with the second baseportion; and a fastener configured to be received in the engagementhousing to secure the elongate member of the second arm assemblythereto.
 2. The spinal rod connector according to claim 1, wherein thefirst arm assembly includes a stem configured to rotatably couple thefirst head portion with the first base portion.
 3. The spinal rodconnector according to claim 2, wherein the stem includes a threadedportion threadably engaging the first base portion, and a ball portionrotatably coupled with the first head portion.
 4. The spinal rodconnector according to claim 1, wherein the engagement housing of thefirst arm assembly defines apertures dimensioned to receive the elongatemember of the second arm assembly.
 5. The spinal rod connector accordingto claim 4, wherein the apertures of the engagement housing of the firstarm assembly are dimensioned larger than a diameter of the elongatemember.
 6. The spinal rod connector according to claim 4, wherein theapertures of the engagement housing of the first arm assembly have aconical profile.
 7. The spinal rod connector according to claim 1,wherein the engagement housing of the first arm assembly includes a balldefining a bore dimensioned to receive the elongate member of the secondarm assembly.
 8. The spinal rod connector according to claim 7, whereinthe engagement housing defines an opening in registration with the ball,the opening configured to threadably receive the fastener, the fastenerconfigured to engage the ball to secure the elongate member of thesecond arm assembly with the engagement housing.
 9. The spinal rodconnector according to claim 1, wherein the first and second baseportions define engagement bores configured to engage an insertioninstrument.
 10. The spinal rod connector according to claim 1, whereinat least one of the first or second slots has a U-shaped profile. 11.The spinal rod connector according to claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe first or the second head portions is configured to threadably engagea set screw to secure the first or second spinal rod received in thefirst or second slot.
 12. The spinal rod connector according to claim 1,wherein the elongate member is rotatable about an axis extending throughthe longitudinal axis of the engagement housing.
 13. A spinal rodconnector comprising: a first arm assembly including a first baseportion including a hook portion defining a first hook channel, thefirst base portion defining a first fixation channel dimensioned toreceive a first band configured to secure a first spinal rod to thefirst base portion, the first fixation channel not in communication withthe first hook channel, the first fixation channel being opposite thefirst hook channel from an end of the first hook portion; a second armassembly selectively adjustable with respect to the first arm assembly,the second arm assembly including a second base portion including a hookportion, the second base portion defining a second fixation channeldimensioned to receive a second band configured to secure a secondspinal rod to the second base portion, one of the first or second baseportions having an extension member including an engagement memberincluding an engagement housing, the other of the first or second baseportions having an elongate member extending therefrom, the elongatemember configured to be selectively received in the engagement housing;and a fastener configured to be received in the engagement housing tosecure the elongate member of the second arm assembly thereto.
 14. Thespinal rod connector according to claim 13, wherein at least one of thefirst or second base portions defines apertures in communication withthe first or second fixation channel.
 15. The spinal rod connectoraccording to claim 14, wherein the apertures of the at least one of thefirst or second base portions are orthogonal to each other.
 16. Thespinal rod connector according to claim 13, wherein the first and secondbase portions define engagement bores configured to engage an insertioninstrument.
 17. The spinal rod connector according to claim 13, whereinthe elongate member is movable through the engagement housing along afirst axis.
 18. The spinal rod connector according to claim 17, whereinthe elongate member is rotatable about the first axis.
 19. The spinalrod connector according to claim 17, wherein the elongate member isrotatable about a second axis defined by the engagement housing, thesecond axis being different than the first axis.
 20. The spinal rodconnector according to claim 19, wherein the elongate member isrotatable about an axis offset from the second axis defined by theengagement housing.
 21. The spinal rod connector according to claim 13,wherein the engagement housing defines apertures dimensioned to receivethe elongate member.